Doctor Who Checks Into Sci-Fi Channel

DOCTOR WHO CHECKS INTO SCI FI
Released by Sci Fi

DOCTOR WHO CHECKS INTO SCI FI

In the Americas

DOCTOR WHO CHECKS INTO SCI FI

New York, NY - January 12, 2006 - SCI FI Channel and BBC Worldwide Americas announced today a major licensing deal for the first series of the latest Doctor Who adventures.

The 13-part, 60-minute drama is about a mysterious time travelling adventurer known simply as "The Doctor" (Christopher Eccleston) and his companion, Rose Tyler (Billie Piper). The Doctor and Rose risk death and danger, battling aliens and monsters.

The deal, brokered by Lisa Hofer, Director Co-Production & Sales, BBC Worldwide Americas, grants SCI FI Channel the first run rights for series one with an option for series two. The award winning series will premiere on SCI FI beginning in March, airing Friday nights at 9.00pm.

"With its rich history of imaginative storytelling, Doctor Who is a true sci-fi classic," stated Thomas P. Vitale, SCI FI's Senior Vice President, Programming & Original Movies. "We're excited to add the show to our lineup."

Commenting on the deal Candace Carlisle, Senior Vice President, BBC Worldwide Americas, said: "The new production has fantastic storylines and production values and has already gained an iconic status around the world. SCI FI Channel is the perfect home for the show and will introduce Doctor Who to a whole new generation of fans in the US."

In addition, BBC Video has moved the US release date of the DVD from February 2006 to July 4, 2006 to capitalize on the exposure from the tv broadcast. As part of the deal, BBC Video and SCI FI Channel have agreed to work together on joint marketing promotions to support the brand launch.

Burton Cromer, Vice President, Consumer Products, BBC Worldwide Americas said: "We are delighted to be working with SCI FI Channel on the launch of this exciting new take on Doctor Who. The additional marketing support from SCI FI, as well their ability to reach such a broad audience base, made moving the release date an easy decision."

Executive Produced by Russell T Davies (lead writer) and Julie Gardner, the first series of Doctor Who attracted huge ratings and received critical acclaim when it aired on BBC ONE in March 2005.

Notes to editors:

Doctor Who is a co-production with CBC in Canada and has also been sold to several territories including Germany (Pro Sieben), Australia (ABC), New Zealand (Prime Time), France(France 4), Spain and Portugal (People & Arts), South Korea (KBS, Channel 2), Japan, Denmark (Danmarks Radio), Sweden (SVT), Holland (NOS, Channel 3), Italy (Canal Jimmy), Finland (YLE) and Norway (NRK).

About BBC Worldwide Americas:

BBC Worldwide Americas (BBCWA) is a wholly owned subsidiary of BBC Worldwide, the commercial consumer arm of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). The company exists to maximize the value of the BBC's assets and invest in public service programming in return for rights. In 2004/05 BBC Worldwide returned ?145 million to the BBC from its six business operations: TV Channels, TV Sales, BBC Magazines, Home Entertainment, Children's and New Media.

About SCI FI:

SCI FI Channel is a television network where "what if" is what's on. SCI FI fuels the imagination of viewers with original series and events, blockbuster movies and classic science fiction and fantasy programming, as well as a dynamic Web site (www.scifi.com ) and magazine. Launched in 1992, and currently in 85 million homes, SCI FI Channel is a network of NBC Universal, one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies.